Understanding why...
 

One of the best things one can do when learning any kind of language (if you are just starting out programming) is to not only to learn snippets of code, but to understand why things work the way they do. Don't be afraid to look at other people's code and run down in your mind what it does like the computer would. This will give you better insight into future projects where things may not be as clean as other conditions. It will also help you to find creative solutions to the problems that you need solved. Looking through completed code will also teach you how programs are structured.

Just a tip. Something I learned long ago...

Great tip. This is what is great about a community like this. Sharing ideas and common practices is the goal and something that will really help the beginners and strengthen the experienced. There is nothing like teaching to really learn something.

Good tip, I sometimes look at some free php scripts code to how/and what makes it work.

Good tip... I still find myself looking at code of open source scripts I use. Even simple scripts. It's a good way to see other styles of programming (and maybe better ways of doing things).

yeah good point, i learnt a lot from phpMyAdmin, specially thje idea of using config files and how to use it, not to mention, other things (just for eg)